The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has dismissed claims that the ongoing wave of defections by state governors in the South-East could lead to the political “capture” of the region, saying the people—not politicians—will ultimately decide their leaders.
Obi made the remark while responding to reporters’ questions in Abuja, following the recent defections of some South-East governors, including Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement issued by his media team on Wednesday, Obi said Nigeria remains a democracy, not a military regime, where territories can be “captured.”
He said, “We are not in a military era when you capture people. In a democracy, leaders earn the people’s trust through good governance. No one can capture any state or region simply because a governor defected.”
Speaking on Mbah’s defection, Obi noted, “Peter Mbah is a good friend of mine. As a governor, he must have made his decision based on his political calculations. But as I’ve always said, the people will decide their future, not a few politicians.”
Responding to reports that the APC was planning to secure the South-East for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, Obi said, “If the government wants people’s support, it should focus on doing the right things. Good governance, not coercion or manipulation, is what wins the people.”
On the planned protest by political activist Omoyele Sowore calling for the release of detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Obi reaffirmed his long-standing stance on dialogue and rule of law.
He said, “There was no need for Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest in the first place. I’ve always maintained that we should consult, negotiate, and dialogue with those agitating. Let’s follow the rules and ensure fairness for all. I commend those who are advocating peaceful engagement.”
Obi also shared his expectations for the new INEC chairman, Sam Amupitan, urging him to ensure credible elections ahead of 2027.
“He’s a Nigerian like the rest of us. What we want is a new Nigeria where elections are free, fair, and credible, and where leaders with competence, capacity, compassion, and character are elected. When he’s confirmed, I’ll congratulate him and remind him that one day he’ll leave office—so he should protect his integrity,” Obi said.
The former Anambra governor spoke on the sidelines of a visit to LEA Nursery/Primary School, Kapwa, in Abuja, where he accompanied Dr. Moses Paul, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chairmanship candidate for Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in the February 2026 elections.
Obi decried the poor state of the school facilities, noting that over 200 pupils were learning without functional toilets and with broken furniture.
He pledged to support efforts to rehabilitate the school, stressing that education remains the foundation for national development.
“The most important investment any nation can make is in its children,” Obi said. “That’s why I’m here to support my brother, Dr. Moses Paul, who is engaging with his community. Education is the bedrock of every society, and we must prioritize it.”
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